National Trust - A la Ronde

The moment you step into A la Ronde, near Exmouth, you're walking into something genuinely odd in the best possible way. Built in 1796 by two unmarried cousins with architectural ambitions and what seems like infinite patience, this 16-sided house is basically a Georgian eccentric's fever dream made brick and mortar.

Inside, it's crammed with their collections - shells, seaweed, and bits of oddity arranged with obsessive care. There's a frieze made entirely of feathers, pebble mosaics, and enough curiosity to keep you hunting through rooms for a good hour. It's small enough that you won't get lost, but detailed enough that you'll want to linger. The grounds are modest but pleasant, with a tea room if you need a sit-down.

Families with kids aged eight upwards will find it genuinely interesting - there's something about the handmade, collection-heavy nature of the place that feels more real than a stately home full of furniture ropes. Walkers heading this way from Exmouth won't regret the detour. Art and design types will appreciate the Georgian obsession on display.

It's National Trust-run, so expect to pay entry and opening hours to be seasonal. Give yourself two hours maximum. The location works well with a broader Devon Cliffs or Cofton Holidays base - Exmouth itself is close enough for a morning visit without feeling rushed. On a grey day it's absolutely worth doing; on a blazing summer afternoon, the crowds can make it feel cramped.